Which kung-fu/wushu would suit me best?

Question

I would like something that moves along at the learner's pace, fast, agile, and a beautiful art that is also effective.
As well as something that incorporates weapons a lot and as its own and not using another separate style (karate does more kedno than an actual karate sword style for example... or so ive observed). Also an art that will make me ponder its philosophies such as ninjutsu and shao-lin kung-fu.
im going to say it now that i LOVED crouching tiger-hidden dragon and am curious about the REAL styles that were used in the film.
I love all weapons to absolutely no end and want to learn how to properly control them with finesse and effect. Oh. Also something that takes a long time to master with many many many aspects/secrets to the art to keep me learning and growing for a looooong time (i learn martial arts REALLY fkn fast).

so again i ask. what fighting style would be best for a determined, fast, not so strong, philosophical kinda person that loves any/all weapons to no end.

Answer 1

Southern Shaolin 5 animal style.
7 Star Praying Mantis
Wing Chun
Each of these arts are no nonsense styles of kung fu. They each feature weapons training although Wing Chun only utilizes two - the staff and butterfly swords.

Answer 2

Based on your description, some of the best styles to choose from would be Shaolin kung fu (either Southern or Northern style), Hung Gar (aka. Hung Ga, or Hung Kuen), or even Wudang kung fu, which usu. includes styles like BaGuaZhang, XingYiQuan, and TaiJiQuan...

Oh, and as far as I could gather, none of the stars of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon have had any formal martial arts training (Sorry). Although the story indicated the primary style was from Wudang (sometimes refered to as Wu Tang), the film's Fight Choreographer was Yuen Woo Ping, who was "schooled in the art of Peking Opera and Kung Fu by his highly regarded father, Yuen Siu Tin". So, chances are good, there is at least some Wudang style in the fights but, I couldn't say how much.

Answer 3

I moved to China to study martial arts and have studied everything from shaolin preying mantis, ba ji quan, ba gu zhang, tai ji quan to now xing yi quan. I myself was as confused as the next man about what real martial arts meant and is. Thankfully in my pusuit and determination i have been blessed with having a good xing yi teacher here in China. Traditionally the 3 internal arts xing yi, ba gua and tai ji are studied in that order. Theory is same for all so once studied priciples of one its easy to apply to others. Only everyday practice will make one grow, that and a capable teacher...Especially considering this is internal training. Can be harmful to your body if done wrong. I have testimony to that. Anyway i would suggest study xing yi, if you can find a good teacher if not drop everything like i did, come to china teach english and study here.

I am currently designing a webpage for Changchun Traditional Chinese Martial Arts School. Its in working but take a look for more info its at www.wushu.coolpage.biz any other questions let me know.

Answer 4

Since you specified an art that incorporates empty hand and weapons style. I would have to suggest Wing Chun. Though my exposure to this art is superficial and diluted. I have noted that that the real art incorporates empty hand techniques and weapon techniques(namely the dual butterfly swords) to a degree that helps to develop a practical self defense system.

Answer 5

Hung Gar Kung Fu! It covers all the things you mention and has amazing self defense applications... Good luck!

Answer 6

if your a sissy take wushu, its like dancing.

Answer 7

you should take ballet.